Nursing Home Abuse

Shunnarah Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys: Fighting for your family

Choosing to place an elderly family member in a nursing home or assisted living facility is one of the most challenging decisions families face each year. Entrusting the care of a parent or grandparent to professionals, we naturally expect them to receive a level of care that mirrors the compassion and diligence we ourselves would offer.

Regrettably, the reality often falls short of these expectations, with nursing home abuse and neglect becoming distressingly common issues across the nation. It’s a harsh truth that every year, an estimated 2.1 million seniors in the United States become victims of abuse.

Alarmingly, many of these cases remain hidden, with research indicating that the reported instances could represent just a fraction of the actual occurrences. Victims of elder abuse, studies show, may face a significantly reduced lifespan, even in the absence of critical or chronic health conditions.

Standing up for nursing home abuse victims

When entrusting a loved one to a nursing home, the expectation is not just for basic care but for a safe, respectful environment where their well-being is prioritized. Yet, the breach of this trust through abuse or neglect is a grave violation that demands immediate action.

Neglect, in particular, stands out as a pervasive form of nursing home abuse, often remaining unnoticed until it has caused irreparable harm. Nursing home facilities are responsible for ensuring their residents’ consistent, comprehensive care. Failure to meet this duty not only compromises the health and dignity of our elders but also carries significant legal ramifications.

At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we are deeply committed to confronting the epidemic of elder abuse. We understand the profound impact of poor treatment and are equipped to offer the legal representation needed to navigate these complex waters. Our attorneys aim to secure justice for the victims and their families and uphold the care and respect every individual deserves in their later years.

By partnering with our team, you take a critical step toward protecting your loved ones and holding negligent facilities accountable. Let us help you ensure that your family members receive the dignity, care, and justice they rightfully deserve.

How can a lawyer help with nursing home abuse?

A nursing home abuse lawyer plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and well-being of elders who’ve suffered abuse.

By offering a blend of empathy and expertise, these attorneys ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Here’s how they can assist:

• Case building: A pivotal first step in any legal battle involves meticulously compiling all pertinent evidence, such as medical records, photographs, and any additional documentation that can substantiate the claim. This foundational work allows your attorney to construct the most compelling case on your behalf.

• Filing your claim: Navigating the legal system’s intricacies is no small feat, especially when filing a claim. Missteps in paperwork can lead to unnecessary delays or even jeopardize your case. Furthermore, every legal action is bound by a “statute of limitations,” which, in most instances, is a three-year window from the incident. An adept attorney ensures your claim is correctly filed and adheres to these critical deadlines.

• Discovery and evidence: The discovery phase is a period of mutual information exchange between the opposing legal parties. Your lawyer plays a crucial role during this phase, securing essential statements, records, and evidence from the defendants to fortify your case.

• Securing compensation: Many cases of elder abuse reach settlements outside the courtroom, granting victims timely compensation. However, should negotiations stall, your lawyer is prepared to fervently represent your interests in court, aiming for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Throughout this legal journey, it’s common for nursing homes to deploy their legal teams, backed by significant financial resources. Against such intense opposition, the expertise and guidance of an experienced nursing home abuse attorney become indispensable. Their commitment not only ensures victims navigate the legal process with informed confidence but also provides the much-needed reassurance and protection throughout these challenging times.

By entrusting your case to a specialized attorney, you gain a dedicated advocate committed to securing the rightful compensation and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Common types of nursing home abuse

Elder abuse within nursing homes is an issue that demands our immediate attention and action. Recognized by the Centers for Disease Control, elder abuse encompasses several distressing forms, including emotional, physical, financial, abandonment and neglect, and sexual abuse. These harmful actions might be perpetrated by caregivers or staff within the facility, impacting the well-being and dignity of our elders.

Financial exploitation

This form of abuse occurs when a caregiver wrongfully utilizes an elder’s assets, engaging in theft, misappropriation, or exerting undue influence for financial gain. It can manifest through forgery, unauthorized access to the elder’s finances, or deceitfully convincing them to relinquish their valuables.

Physical abuse

This involves any act of violence causing harm or distress to an elderly individual, such as hitting, burning, or inflicting injuries in any manner that physically compromises their health and safety.

Emotional abuse

Often subtle yet profoundly damaging, emotional or psychological abuse occurs through actions or words that cause mental pain, fear, or distress. Examples include isolation, verbal assaults, threats, or humiliation, which can severely affect an elder’s emotional health.

Abandonment and neglect

Neglect refers to the failure to meet the basic needs or protect an elder from harm, which may include neglecting their hygiene, nutritional needs, medication management, or safety. Abandonment is when an elder is deliberately left alone without care or assistance.

Sexual abuse

This form of abuse includes any non-consensual sexual contact with an elder. It can range from unwanted touching to more severe forms of sexual assault. Elders may be particularly vulnerable if they are unable to consent or resist due to physical or mental incapacities.

signs of nursing home abuse

Nursing home neglect or abuse can remain undetected for an extended period, as abusive caregivers might conceal any signs of harm or neglect, especially before family visits. They may also restrict the family’s access to the resident. Elders might struggle to communicate their experiences or feel ashamed about their situation, complicating the detection of abuse.

Awareness of the signs of elder abuse is crucial for timely intervention. Indicators can include unexplained injuries, signs of poor hygiene, sudden changes in financial situations, or behavioral changes that suggest distress or fear. Specific signs might manifest as bruises, untreated medical conditions, unsanitary living conditions, or symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Elder abuse can present itself through a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, including but not limited to:

Recognizing signs of abuse, especially in cases like sexual assault or financial exploitation, can be challenging. Immediate indicators, such as minor cuts or bruises, should prompt concern. If you observe any troubling signs, it’s important to report them to the nursing home’s management. Should you suspect that your loved one is a victim of elder abuse, it’s crucial to contact an elder abuse attorney for legal guidance and seek medical consultation for any serious injuries sustained.

Preventing and Addressing elder abuse

It’s vital for family members and loved ones to remain vigilant and proactive in recognizing the signs of elder abuse. Should you suspect abuse, it is essential to seek legal assistance promptly. A nursing home abuse lawyer can play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of elder abuse cases, offering both the legal expertise and compassionate support needed to pursue justice and compensation.

At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we are dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of the elderly.

Our team is committed to providing the legal expertise and support necessary to challenge abuse and neglect within nursing homes, ensuring that victims and their families receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you have concerns about the welfare of a loved one in a nursing home, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.